Just within the last few days, we’ve started seeing a new build of Android 4.3 land on the Nexus family of devices. No, it’s not Android 4.3.1, it’s still Android 4.3. Just with a few minor bug fixes. After all the drama a few weeks ago with Qualcomm, AOSP and Jean-Baptiste Queru, we finally got factory images and binaries for the new Nexus 7. And now we have ones for build JSS15Q.
Those of you aware of factory images and binaries know that these desperately help out developers and even power users like ourselves. For example, when Android 4.3 dropped I downloaded the Nexus 4 (Mako) and the OG Nexus 7 (grouper) factory images and flashed Android 4.3 onto my devices, and then instantly rooted them. It took a few minutes, but it was quicker than waiting on the update. It’s just that easy. Factory images also allow you to quickly go back to stock, if you’re having problems with your ROM, looking to sell your device, or just want the newest build of Android from AOSP, like Key Lime Pie come fall. Binaries are more for ROM developers. To help get everything working with new ROMs for particular devices. You can download the factory images and binaries down below and flash them through an all-in-one toolkit or via adb like most people.
It’s important that we remind you that these only work for the Nexus 7 2013. So downloading these new factory images and binaries will not work on your Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 10, or the Galaxy Nexus. Sounds like common sense, but we still had to say it.
Honestly, I’m quite surprised to see that we have factory images and binaries for the new Nexus 7 already, especially given the issues Google had with Qualcomm for the original factory image just a few weeks ago. So you may want to head over to the Developer site and download the images before they are taken down, just in case. And store them in a safe place for when you need them. That’s what I always do.
Download: Factory Images | Binaries